Dr Margaret O’Donnell OAM has had a long and distinguished career in Catholic education, having served as a principal for more than 20 years, and brings a keen insight into the challenges school leaders and teachers face in delivering a uniquely Catholic education.

Dr O’Donnell served as a Catholic school principal firstly at St Pius X School, Heidelberg West, and subsequently at St Gregory the Great School, Doncaster.

As a principal, Dr O’Donnell introduced advanced literacy programs that lifted the educational standards at her schools, improved engagement with the student body and improved conditions at the school by investing in capital works. In 2002, she was awarded the degree of Doctor of Education by Australian Catholic University.

Following her retirement as a principal, Dr O’Donnell worked as a principal consultant in the Archdiocese of Melbourne to support the principals of 16 schools from Mornington to St Kilda in the southern region.

Dr O’Donnell brings corporate governance experience through her service on the Board of St Vincent de Paul in Victoria and as a committee member of the Eastern Palliative Care Association.

In 2018, Dr O’Donnell was awarded with the papal Croce Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice. This award from Pope Francis recognises distinguished service to the Catholic Church. She is a member of the Order of Malta.